This man was kidnapped from the British mainland and shipped to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He was a priest and a bishop. He studied in continental monasteries. Who is this person, what is an alternate name, and why is he the patron saint of snake bites?

peasypod

Patricius apparently drove all the snakes out of Ireland. http://atheism.about.com/od/catholicsaints/p/SaintPatrick.htm Mar 17 06, 2:45 PM

xfacilitatorx

Kidnapped from the British mainland around age 16, and shipped to Ireland as a slave. Sent to the mountains as a shepherd, he spent his time in prayer. After six years of this life, he received had a dream in which he a command to return to Britain; seeing it as a sign, he escaped. Studied in continental monasteries. Priest. Bishop. Sent by Pope Saint Celestine to evangelize England, then Ireland, during which his chariot driver was Saint Odran, and Saint Jarlath was one of his spiritual students. In 33 years he effectively converted the Ireland. In the Middle Ages Ireland became known as the Land of Saints, and during the Dark Ages its monasteries were the great repositories of learning in Europe, all a consequence of Patrick's ministry. http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/pst00663.htm http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/pst00663.htm Mar 17 06, 2:47 PM

mementoflash

The story that St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland is based on the idea that he drove all the demons out of Ireland. Mar 17 06, 2:48 PM

Grophie

Saint Patrick Mar 18 06, 6:27 AM

ganondorf319

St. Patrick Mar 18 06, 11:23 AM

Priscilla9

Thank you everyone! Mar 19 06, 6:14 PM

lindarandell

St Patrick Mar 22 06, 6:08 AM